[mceb]

British article about turbo coming to UK as left-hand drive in late 2006 for Vauxhall. Gives some insight into what the turbo Solstice can do....

:cheers:

Turbo On The Way For Next VX

There's a top-secret high-performance engine under the bonnet of this test car seen in this week's issue - and Auto Express can reveal that it's destined for the UK.

Seen here undergoing development in a Pontiac Solstice, the powerplant is a 250bhp 2.2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder unit. It will arrive in the UK in late 2006, clothed in the body of the Solstice's sister model, the Saturn Sky.

Set to be sold through Vauxhall main dealers, the sports car will be left-hand drive only and available in limited numbers. It will cost from around £22,000, and should offer Porsche Boxster-like performance, so expect 0-60mph in five seconds and a top speed of 150mph.

Based on GM's all-new Kappa rear-wheel-drive platform, the Sky is a light- weight two-seater designed to deliver back-to-basics thrills. It will look similar to the Solstice but swap the split grille, teardrop headlights and big spotlamps for a more conventional wide air intake and narrow light arrangement. Inside, a low seating position, high gearlever and sweeping dash will create a sporty feel.

GM bosses say the Sky will appeal to enthusiasts thanks to its nimble handling and pin-sharp steering, and engineers are working hard to ensure it's a worthy successor to the Vauxhall VX220 Turbo. Standard kit is likely to be improved slightly over that car, with comfort enhanced to ensure that the Sky is suitable for everyday use.

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/58428/turbo_on_the_way_for_next_vx.html

 

[bcbriggs]

Now that is pretty cool!

 

[brentil]

I still can't wait till GM starts putting this engine in the other ECOTEC powered vehicles. Who else out there has a ~250HP i4 engine powering most of their low end cars? Besides the STi and EVO it's very slim pickings, and those are $30k+ cars. Dodge's 230HP neon srt-4/pt cruiser turbo come close since they're the main competition.

I really don't know if it's going to happen or not, but imagine this new engine in all the ECOTEC cars now as low cost, high powered varients. Cobalt, ION, HHR, Solstice, Sky, Malibu/MAXX, Pursuit, some SAABs, etc. It would quickly put them at the top of the class for most segments for having fairly powerful cars.

You look at the Cobalt SS now, and it's nice with its 205HP engine, but imagine buying the same car for the same price but getting ~250HP from it. :willy:

 

[jimbo]

Ah, the displacement, output and "pin-sharp steering" are all music to my ears. THANK YOU! Good article. :cheers: